Lawrence, an ISU alumnus, replaces Gerald Miller, who is stepping down from the post.

"I accept this new responsibility with excitement, optimism and a great deal of humility. I am a product of, and firmly believe in, our land-grant mission," says Lawrence.

"For ISU to remain a leader in agricultural research and extension, our programs must be client-focused," Lawrence says. "This means that we listen to their needs and provide not only timely and relevant information, but provide leadership on emerging issues."

Lawrence joined ISU in 1991. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Iowa State in animal science and economics, respectively, in 1984 and 1986, and a doctorate in agricultural economics from the University of Missouri in 1989.

Lawrence also serves as director of ISU's Beef Center and assistant director of the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station. He was raised on a crop and livestock farm near Tabor in southwest Iowa.